- Where to see one
- 3 U.S. zoos in our directory hold peccary, confirmed against each zoo's own animal list.
Conservation status
Not Evaluated
This species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List, so it sits outside the threat scale entirely.
About the peccary
Peccaries, also called javelinas or skunk pigs, are pig-like hoofed mammals of the family Tayassuidae, found from the southwestern United States through Central and South America and on Trinidad. Adults measure 90 to 130 cm and weigh about 20 to 40 kg. They are omnivores that eat roots, grasses, seeds, fruit, insects and cacti, especially prickly pear, and live in herds called squadrons that average six to nine members. Unlike pigs, they have small rounded ears, small tails and short straight tusks that interlock. Scent glands mark herd territory and let members recognise one another despite poor eyesight.
Peccary facts
- Peccaries are foregut fermenters with a three-chambered stomach, a trait that evolved separately from ruminants.
- Rubbing their tusks together makes a chattering noise that warns off predators.
- A single herd of white-lipped peccaries has been recorded with over 100 individuals.
- Their strong scent earns them the nickname skunk pig.
Where to see peccary in the U.S.
3 zoos across 3 states
Find the closest one
Rank the 3 zoos holding peccary by how far they are from you. Your location is used in your browser to sort this list and is never sent to us.
Arkansas· 1
California· 1
Louisiana· 1
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Built from each zoo's own published animal list.
